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Menshevik and Bolshevik Groups Form
Rapid industrialization made Russians discontent and the growth of factories were the root cause of "grueling work conditions, miserably low wages, and child labor". Trade unions were outlawed by the government and workers who agreed with Karl Marx's views began organizing strikes. This event played a role in Russian revolution because Lenin gained power and eventually became the leader of Russia. -
Bloody Sunday
About 200,000 workers and the worker's families' "approached the czar’s Winter Palace in St. Petersburg" in January, carrying a petition to gain better working conditions, more individual freedom, and "an elected national legislature". Soldiers fired into the crowd and several hundred Russians were killed. This led to a wave of strikes and violence around the country, because the Russian people felt like they didn't have a voice. -
Creation of the Duma
Nicholas promised more freedom after the waves of violence, and approved the creation of the Duma, Russia's first parliament. Its leaders were moderates who wanted Russia to become a constitutional monarchy similar to Britain but because the czar was hesitant to share his power, he dissolved the Duma after a mere ten weeks. This showed Russians they may have to take more drastic measures to gain political control. -
Russia in World War I
Nicholas II dragged Russia into the war in 1914, and Russians, being completely militarily and economically unprepared, were mowed down by the thousands by German machine guns. Before a year, more than 4 million Russian soldiers "had been killed, wounded, or taken prisoner." Russia’s involvement in the war made clear the weaknesses of czarist rule and military leadership. -
Czar Gives up the Throne
The March Revolution forced Nicholas II to step down from the throne, and later it succeeded in bringing down the czar, but failed to establish another functional form of government. A provisional government was formed, and as WWI dragged on, the conditions in Russia worsened. This lost the support of Russian people, causing them to want to fight more against the temporary government. -
The Provisional Government Comes to an End
In November, the Bolshevik Red Guards took over government offices and arrested the provisional government's leaders. "Kerensky and his colleagues disappeared almost as quickly as the czarist regime they had replaced." This ended the temporary form of government, and now Russia, again, had to find a practical way to rule themselves. -
Lenin and the Bolsheviks Take Charge
Within days of overthrowing the provisional government, the Bolsheviks distributed all farmland to peasants, gave control of factories to the workers, and in March of 1918, signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany. Russia also surrendered a lot of its territory to Germany and its allies; The humiliating terms of this treaty started widespread anger in Russia. They objected Bolsheviks' policies and the murder of the royal family; This led to them having enemies within their own country. -
Civil War in Russia
From 1918 to 1920, civil war took place in Russia; The opponents of the Bolsheviks formed the White Army, and they were only united for their hate of the Bolsheviks. Approximately 14 million Russians died in the three-year struggle and the famine that followed it; Russia was left in chaos by the destruction, loss of life, and a worldwide flu epidemic. The Red Army crushed all opposition. and their victory showed that the "Bolsheviks were able both to seize power and to maintain it". -
Lenin Mends Russia's Government
Lenin temporarily put aside his plan for a state-controlled economy and tried a "small-scale version of capitalism" which he called the New Economic Policy. Under the NEP, peasants could sell extra crops instead of handing them into the government, and some small factories, businesses, and farms could privately operate. Russia slowly recovered due partly to the new policies and peace after the civil war; By 1928, Russia’s farms and factories were producing as much as they did before World War I. -
Stalin Becomes Dictator
Lenin suffered a stroke as Stalin was increasing his power. Lenin believed Stalin was a dangerous man who didn't know how to properly handle his power. This played a role in the revolution of Russia because their new leader was different and although dangerous, Russia's new leader would revolutionize the country.